Oakland County continues to see population growth

After slipping throughout the previous decade, metro Detroit’s population increased since the 2010 U.S. Census, with the largest level of growth occurring in Oakland County, according to data released by a regional planning agency.

Population estimates by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments found the region added more than 7,600 people, — a 0.2 percent increase — between the 2010 Census and July 2013, suggesting the area is starting to rebound from a weakened economy and retain its residents.

In that same timeframe, Oakland County experienced the largest growth, adding more than 27,600 people, a 2.3 percent increase, to 1,230,009.

The planning agency said in the report that the increase stems from a “positive natural change”— meaning more births occurred than deaths — and a decreased out-migration from the region.

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Even though the planning agency’s estimates found the region’s total population increased to 4,712,426, that number still falls short of the 2000 U.S. Census figure of 4,833,368.

But the data shows a trend in Oakland: It’s still growing.

Between 2000 and 2010, the county’s population increased from 1,194,156 to 1,202,362, a 0.7 increase. So, since 2000, while the entire region lost residents elsewhere, Oakland’s population jumped 3 percent.

A few of Oakland’s communities that experienced the largest growth in the county over the last few years include Novi (4,021), Rochester Hills (2,880) and Royal Oak (2,242).

Lyon Township had the fastest growth in the county and metro Detroit, as its population increased by 14.3 percent in that timeframe, from 14,545 to 16,330.

Ferndale experienced the largest decrease in Oakland County, falling slightly by 1.5 percent to 19,604, from 19,900; but that’s not near to the extent its population fell during the previous decade, by 2,205 people, or a 10 percent drop.

Region-wide, Washtenaw County had the fastest growth, with its population increasing by 2.5 percent since the 2010 Census. Macomb Township topped the list of communities in population growth, adding 5,000 people.

In Detroit, the city is continuing to lose residents, even after a 25 percent drop during the previous decade, but the planning agency’s data showed the rate of decline has slowed. The city’s population is now estimated at 681,090, a 4.6 percent drop since the 2010 Census found it to be almost 714,000.

To read the full report, visit semcog.org and click “Regional Update” under the “recent news” section.